The Bass proved once again why its annual gala is among the most anticipated dates on the Miami art/social calendar. The Bass Ball: Kaleidoscopic brought out artists, fashion-forward philanthropists, socialites, and party people to honor the fabulous Cathy Vedovi—the collector and designer whose French roots and LA education have made her a true icon in our local arts scene.

The theme was “Kaleidoscopic,” inspired by the museum’s exhibition The Kaleidoscopic: Writing Histories Through the Collection. The evening reflected the multifaceted nature of storytelling through art, welcoming artists and art lovers into a richly layered visual experience. This wasn’t your average black-tie affair; the guests took the theme to heart with outfits that were pure creative genius. Everywhere you looked, there were bold prints, shimmering textures, and over the top accessories that turned the museum into a living, breathing art gallery.

Guests were immersed in lavish décor by Alejandro Muguerza, complemented by a dynamic lighting installation by artist MIKIHUMO that illuminated the museum’s façade and interior. Dinner by Le Basque was top-tier, as usual, but it was the outstanding music that really set the night apart. Things kicked off with smooth jazz by saxophonist Manuel Echazabal in the Social Assembly Lounge, giving everyone a chance to catch up in style.

But even before the dinner plates were cleared, the vibe shifted into high gear. The museum lobby transformed into the ultimate energetic dance party thanks to @DJCLAUDIOF aka Claudio Figueroa, the man behind the vibe at Casa Tua. He was on fire, spinning every genre imaginable—from global house beats to crowd-favorite anthems.

The music was so good it kept the gorgeous, fashion-focused crowd glued to the dance floor, keeping the energy electric well into the early morning hours. Let’s just say no one was ready to go once the “lights came on.”

All of the glam and fun supports a worthy cause, with proceeds going directly to the museum’s education programs and world-class exhibitions. Be sure to keep up with all of the happenings at the Bass on Instagram @thebassmoa and online at https://thebass.org.

Photos

Courtesy of the Bass Museum and World Red Eye.

For more than six decades, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF), presented by First Horizon Bank, has championed the vibrant intersection of community, culture, and creative expression. Now celebrating its 62nd year, the iconic three‑day outdoor festival returns February 14–16, inviting art lovers, families, and curious explorers to experience one of the nation’s premier cultural events where discovering, collecting, and celebrating go hand in hand.  Forty percent of the artists at this year’s festival are participating for the first time.

 Consistently ranked among America’s top art festivals, CGAF transforms the scenic Biscayne Bay waterfront, in the picturesque community of Coconut Grove, into a dynamic open‑air gallery and cultural playground. With 285 internationally recognized artists, the festival offers an inspiring blend of fine art, live performances, hands‑on activities, and immersive family‑friendly zones, making it a place where creativity truly comes alive.

 For more than 60 years, CGAF has served as a beacon of artistic excellence and community connection. Its mission remains steadfast: to foster creativity and bring world‑class art to Miami’s cultural landscape. But the festival is far more than an art show, it is a full cultural journey filled with interactive experiences for all ages.

 Festival Highlights

• The Stacks Presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood- Live music returns to Peacock Park, paired with live mural painting and interactive DIY art activities for all ages.

• Arts & Drafts Beer Garden Presented by Cervecería La Tropical – Enjoy craft brews while watching Miami’s artisans create in real time.

• Inner Artist – Dive into hands‑on creativity with painting, crafting, and live performances at Regatta Park.

• Comic Kid – A kid‑powered zone where young creators can build, paint, and explore.

• Young Collectors Club – Kids ages 6 to 12 can start their own art collections by purchasing artwork for only $5.

• Collectors Club presented by First Horizon Bank – Elevate your festival experience with a special ticket that providesexclusive lounge access, open bar, light bites, and air‑conditioned restrooms ($169.99++ per day)

Dates & Hours

• ​Saturday, February 14, 2026: 10 AM – 6 PM

• ​Sunday, February 15, 2026: 10 AM – 6 PM

• ​Monday, February 16, 2026: 10 AM – 5 PM

Tickets and more information:

https://cgaf.com

Burger lovers, this one’s for you!

Burgerliscious is back for its 14th year on Thursday, Feb 5, 5:30–9:30PM, taking over Alhambra Circle for a block-party showdown. Local favorites battle it out for Best in Bun and People’s Choice—with reigning champ PINCHO returning to defend the crown.

Expect juicy bites from spots like Ruth’s Chris, Bulla Gastrobar, Morton’s, ARCANO, Kitchen 57, Pinecrest Bakery, 450 Gradi and more, plus ice-cold Samuel Adams, a live DJ, and an epic set by Mad World Orchestra.

More information at burgerliscious.com and @burgerliscious_.

Award-winning Portland-based ice cream favorite Salt & Straw has officially opened a new scoop shop at The Abbey in Aventura. Known for its imaginative flavors and community-driven approach, the beloved brand brings classics like Sea Salt Caramel Ribbons alongside Florida-exclusive collaborations such as The Salty Donut Guava + Cheese and Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches. The new location celebrates the North Miami–Dade community with a full weekend of grand opening festivities, plus Salt & Straw’s signature monthly rotating flavors. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., this sweet new spot is already serving up smiles.

This weekend, Soulection teamed up with Crown Royal Marquis to mark a major milestone—15 years of culture-shifting sound—with an epic 15-hour takeover at Club Space Miami. The marathon celebration unfolded across three immersive rooms curated by Soulection, featuring a global roster of tastemakers who kept the energy high from nightfall Friday well into Saturday afternoon.

Guests enjoyed signature Crown Royal Marquis cocktails throughout the night as a stylish, fully locked-in crowd filled the dance floors—moving nonstop, hands in the air, dancing through every set and staying energized well into Saturday afternoon. The momentum peaked on the Space Terrace, where Soulection founder, CEO, and creative visionary Joe Kay delivered a special anniversary set that had everyone dancing, seamlessly blending nostalgic favorites with forward-thinking sounds and keeping the crowd in motion from start to finish, after 6 am.

Over the past 15 years, Soulection has evolved into a worldwide movement, redefining the future of DJ culture and spotlighting genres from R&B and soul to afrobeats, jazz, house, and electronic music—while helping elevate artists like Brent Faiyaz, Snoh Aalegra, Daniel Caesar, and Kaytranada. The Club Space takeover was equal parts celebration and statement, honoring 15 years of impact while setting the tone for the next chapter of the Soulection movement and its partnership with Crown Royal Marquis.

An Evening of Compassion, the inaugural signature fundraising event for the Hope For Animals Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless, injured and endangered animals, will host its inaugural event on January 27. Join community leaders, partners, and animal advocates at Toku Modern Asian to raise critical funds and awareness for animal welfare—while also supporting families facing hardship who are struggling to care for their beloved pets.

Guests will enjoy an elevated cocktail-style experience featuring meaningful connections, raffles, and impactful storytelling centered on compassion, collaboration, and community impact.

For more information visit:

https://hopeforanimalsfoundation.betterworld.org/events/benefiting-Hope-for-Animals-Foundation